Mazzulla: Brown cannot be replaced

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has commented on the team's decision to trade longtime leader Jaylen Brown. Speaking during the NBA Summer League, Mazzulla emphasized that the situation is not black and white. He expressed hope that more attention would be paid to what Brown accomplished over ten years with the Celtics, rather than just his departure.

"He was here longer than I was, set the tone in the locker room, was part of special moments, and one of the main reasons for our championship," Mazzulla said, calling for respect and gratitude for everything Brown has done for the team.

The coach stressed that Brown cannot be replaced, and therefore the question of replacing him is not straightforward. The team has brought in new players, but they are not asked to become Brown. "They need to be the best version of themselves and bring their own qualities to make us better," Mazzulla added.

Recall that the Celtics finished second in the Eastern Conference last season but blew a 3-1 lead in the first round of the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers. After the season, they traded Brown for Paul George and multiple draft picks.